Rio West Cantina will become Milwaukee Beer Bistro in January

Rio West Cantina, the Vecchio Entertainment Group's Mexican restaurant in Riverwest, will close after service Dec. 17 for remodeling and will reopen as Milwaukee Beer Bistro in January, owner Russ Davis announced today.

Milwaukee Beer Bistro will incorporate some of the ideas Vecchio had in mind for Lakefront Brewery's Palm Garden, Davis said in today's statement. Vecchio's lease to operate the Palm Garden wasn't renewed after 14 years of serving fish fries and catering weddings, and Lakefront last week announced its plans for the food operations at what will now be called the Lakefront Beer Hall.

Rio West, at 2730 N. Humboldt Ave., will be redecorated and will open Dec. 31 for the annual New Year's Eve party for kids. Its grand opening as Milwaukee Beer Bistro will come on Jan. 9.

Davis recently was in Belgium and Germany, researching menu ideas. The new menu will be made up of mostly small plates, he said, with American craft beer incorporated into the dishes.

In the meantime, to move Rio West's extensive stock of tequila, the restaurant will have half-price tequila drinks until its closing.

About Carol Deptolla

Carol Deptolla is the Journal Sentinel dining critic. She also reports on restaurants, bars and other food- and drink-related businesses.